Many businesses rely on diesel trucks for transportation and towing. Diesel engines are more fuel efficient, durable, and stronger. However, maintenance and repairs are different in a gas powered than diesel fueled engine. When you need diesel truck repair, rely on Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

How A Diesel Truck Repair Differs From Gas Engines

Primarily, American automakers only equip trucks with diesel engines. The higher cost of fuel and the perceived reputation of higher pollution have made diesel fueled cars unpopular. However, diesel engines offer many great advantages:

• Up to 40% more efficient than gas powered engines
• Greater torque – they can pull heavier loads.
• Longer lifespan of the vehicle – 500,000 miles on average

The main difference between engines is fuel ignition. While gasoline-powered vehicles use spark plugs to ignite the fuel, diesels do not. Instead, diesel engines rely on heat from compressed air and glow plugs to create combustion.

Typically, construction differences result in greater durability in diesel engines and longer intervals between maintenance and repairs. However, when your diesel fueled vehicle does need servicing, it generally costs more than gas powered. Essentially, you’ll need an experienced maintenance technician with specialized diagnostic equipment.

Common Diesel Engine Repairs

Diesel engines experience some of the same problems as gasoline powered vehicles. Failing batteries, starters, alternators, and oxygen sensors are some common components that go bad. Yet, overall diesel powered vehicles have a lower cost of ownership than their closest gasoline counterpart.

Even though diesel powered vehicles are more durable, you may experience one of these issues requiring a diesel truck repair:

• Glow plug failure
• Faulty fuel injector
• Incorrect compression ratio
• Engine oil oxidation
• Black exhaust

When you experience an issue, it’s best to bring your vehicle to a qualified diesel mechanic. Like most modern vehicles, diesel trucks are complex machines requiring specialized tools and knowledge.

Routine Maintenance Required For Diesel Engines

Although diesel engines last much longer than gasoline, they still require some routine servicing. Below are some basic guidelines for maintenance. However, always check your vehicle owner’s manual for specific recommendations.

1. Flush Coolant/Periodically Check Levels

Coolant, a mix of water and antifreeze, keeps the engine at optimal running temperature. Low levels or old coolant can’t properly cool the engine leading to overheating. Additionally, old coolant becomes acidic, corroding parts in the system. In diesel engines, you need to flush the coolant every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

2. Change/Check Your Oil

Lubrication is crucial in any type of engine. Most experts recommend changing the oil and filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Of course, this is dependent on the type of oil and driving you do. In between, you should routinely check the level and quality.

3. Change Your Fuel Filters

Diesel engines have 2 fuel filters, one in the fuel tank and the other one in the engine. The general rule is to replace both every 10,000 – 25,000 miles. However, this time frame depends on the type of truck, amount of driving time, and quality of fuel.

4. Replace Air Filters

Air is crucial for the internal combustion process. Thus, many experts recommend replacing the air filter every 15,000 miles or every year. Driving with a dirty air filter will decrease your power and fuel efficiency.

5. Drain Water Trap

Diesel fuel is hygroscopic meaning it readily attracts and absorbs water from the air. However, moisture in the fuel system will lead to internal corrosion. Another problem with water is that combined with the molecules in diesel, the fuel becomes suitable for microbe growth.

Hence, diesel engines have a water separator that traps water while allowing clean fuel to pass through. These water droplets collect at the bottom of the separator into a trap. Periodically draining the water from the trap saves you from expensive repairs.

6. Replenish Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

To meet increasingly strict environmental regulations, diesel engines require DEF (diesel exhaust fluid). This liquid helps convert the harmful byproduct, nitrogen oxide, into nontoxic water vapor and nitrogen.

You’ll know you’re running low by a dashboard indicator light or gauge. A failure to maintain adequate levels of DEF will trigger the powertrain control module (PCM) to reduce speed. Eventually, your vehicle won’t even start until you replenish this fluid. Generally, your vehicle’s gas mileage directly corresponds with the consumption of diesel exhaust fluid.

Diesel Truck Repair FAQs

Are you searching for quality diesel truck repair? Rely on the experts at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville. Below we answer a few commonly asked questions about diesel engines.

I Have A Business. Do you Provide Fleet Services?

Whether you run a business with 1 truck or a dozen, an improperly functioning vehicle usually means lost revenue. At Xpress Lube, we understand that fixing your vehicle quickly and properly affects your bottom line. Our guaranteed service will ensure your fleet vehicles are back on the road quickly, working for you.

How Do I Know My Maintenance Technician Is A Qualified Diesel Mechanic?

To determine if a maintenance technician is qualified to work on diesel engines check for ASE certification. A diesel mechanic must have on the job training and pass a challenging test to qualify for accreditation. At Xpress Lube, we have 4 ACE-certified mechanics on staff.

What Makes Xpress Lube Different From Other Diesel Shops?

For over 25 years, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville has been servicing and repairing all types of vehicles. From passenger cars to fleet service, foreign or domestic vehicles, trust our staff to perform high-quality, guaranteed work.

Call us at 336-904-6319 to make an appointment or use our easy online form.